AI – ‘In antiquity, a Glyph Stone functioned primarily as a permanent, sacred medium for communication, recording, and commemoration. Used by civilizations such as the Maya, Egyptians, and various Native American cultures, these inscribed stones served to bridge the gap between the divine, the rulers, and the populace by etching stories in a material intended to last forever. 

Key Functions of Glyph Stones:

• Commemoration and Propaganda: Mayan rulers and Egyptian pharaohs used stone stelae to document their lineage, victories, and major life achievements. These monuments reinforced the ruler’s power, legitimized their authority, and were used to impress both their people and rivals.
• Sacred and Funerary Texts: In Egypt, hieroglyphic stone reliefs were “sacred carvings” on temple walls and tombs, intended to invoke divine power, record prayers, and guide the deceased to the afterlife. They were believed to hold magical, life-sustaining power.
• Record Keeping: Glyphs were used to record calendars, astronomical events, and civic data.
• Territorial and Spiritual Marking: Native American petroglyphs (rock carvings) served as markers of territory, clan, or the presence of specific groups. They were often placed at locations considered sacred to mark the transition between physical and spiritual worlds.
• “Signatures” of Artists: Skilled Maya artists and workshops would sometimes add their signature to the carvings.
• Navigational and Informational Tools: Some engraved stones, like the “Hunger Stones” in Europe, marked severe droughts. Other prehistoric stones functioned as landmarks, astronomical calendars, or compasses for early travellers. 

The durability of stone allowed these, often called “archives in stone,” to withstand thousands of years, preserving the history, mythology, and religious beliefs of ancient societies.’